Canada is home to more than 30 hot springs, making it the ideal place for travellers looking to relax while enjoying some health benefits in an idyllic setting.
A hot spring is a source of water that is heated via the earth’s interior and comes to the surface to form a pool. Soaking in this heated pool is not only a great way to relieve stress and relax, the minerals found in these healing waters can help you detox naturally.
Here are five of the best hot springs Canada has to offer.
Keyhole Hot Springs
Located about 100 kilometres from Whistler, Keyhole Hot Springs can be found next to the Lillooet River. The swirling river can be seen by visitors to the hot spring, adding to the unique atmosphere, according to
Hot Springs of British Columbia. The area is sometimes called Pebble Creek Hot Springs because of how close the hot springs are to the creek. There is an outhouse and free rustic campground close by. The hot springs are closed each year from April 1 to Nov. 15.
Lussier Hot Springs
There are four
naturally constructed hot springs to discover and enjoy near the Lussier River between Canal Flats and Whiteswan Lake in the East Kootenays of southeastern B.C. In the parking lot, visitors will find toilets and change rooms. The path from the parking lot to the hot springs is well maintained and it’s only a five-minute walk to the pools which vary in temperature from 47 degrees C down to around 34 C. The hot springs are in the Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park and were created with rock walls and gravel at the bottom. The site is open all year-round.
Ram Creek Hot Springs
Another remote natural hot springs worth seeing is Ram Creek hot springs, located 25 kilometres from Lussier Hot Springs. The site is located on a hill at the bottom of a mountain and boasts pools of water surrounded by rocks. Visitors will need to hike a little distance to reach the pools.
Liard River Hot Springs
Located in B.C.’s boreal spruce forest, the
Liard River Hot Springs is considered the second largest in Canada, according to BC Parks. The location has a nearby campground, changing rooms, and an outhouse. A hike along the boardwalk leading to the hot springs offers a scenic tour of the boreal forest’s diverse plants and animals, as well as a warm water swamp. The hot springs are open year-round.
Kraus Hot Springs
Located in the Nahanni National Park Reserve in Yellowknife, the Kraus Hot Springs were named after homesteaders Mary and Gus Kraus, according to
Parks Canada. The hot springs are right on the river’s edge and during times of high water is taken over by the river. Visitors can also see various vegetation that grows in the area such as garden parsnips. The site also has a food cache and outhouse. Camping in the area is not permitted in August or September due to the number of black bears.
